SANDRINGHAM WATER ACTIVITIES FIELD GUIDE
Two Days in Sandringham: Earn Your Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award
A focused, two-day Sea Starter Course at Sandringham that builds fundamental sea‑kayak skills, safety knowledge and a half‑day guided paddle with a maximum instructor-to-student ratio of 1:6.
Two Days in Sandringham: Earn Your Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award.
Set from the Training & Hire Centre at Sandringham, this compact two‑day Sea Starter Course blends shore‑based instruction with on‑water practice to teach the core techniques and safety skills needed for protected‑water sea kayaking and to qualify for the Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award
Over two days you work through the Paddle Australia syllabus to gain the Basic Skills Award, with assessment and practical outcomes built into the course structure.
Core Sea‑Kayak Technique and Safety
The course covers forward paddling, turning and steering, edging and leaning, wet exits and re‑entry, towing and self‑and assisted rescues, plus the principles of kayak rolling.
Small Groups and a Guided Paddle
Training runs in small groups with a maximum instructor‑to‑student ratio of 1:6 and includes a half‑day guided paddle (weather dependent) to put new skills into practice.
What the day feels like
What Two Days Feel Like
The weekend alternates classroom briefs and shore drills with on‑water practice: Day 1 focuses on boat knowledge and fundamental paddling and safety techniques; Day 2 reviews skills, runs rescues and towing drills, and finishes with a guided half‑day paddle, giving you hands‑on experience and the opportunity to qualify for the Paddle Australia Basic Skills Award.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this course suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course includes sea kayak and accessories, safety gear and a paddling jacket.
Wear suitable clothing for paddling and bring personal items you may need on the water; the operator supplies kayak, accessories, safety gear and a paddling jacket as noted above.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the course and what are the daily hours?
The Sea Starter Course runs over two days: both days start at 9am (arrive by 8:30am) and finish at approximately 5pm.
What ages can participate?
Children aged 7 and above can join; children aged 7–14 must paddle a double sea kayak with an adult. For children under 7, contact the operator to arrange private tuition.
Is equipment provided?
Yes — sea kayak and accessories, safety gear and a paddling jacket are provided as part of the course.
What is the instructor‑to‑student ratio?
Instruction is delivered with a maximum instructor‑to‑student ratio of 1:6 to ensure personalized tuition.
Is the guided paddle guaranteed?
The guided half‑day paddle on Day 2 is weather dependent and may be modified or cancelled for safety reasons.
Can I do private tuition instead of the weekend course?
Yes — the course is available as one full day of private, one‑on‑one tuition (usually midweek), offered at the same price; contact the operator to discuss dates.